One major benefit of working long hours is the opportunity to earn overtime pay. Both state and federal laws require overtime pay for employees who are on the job for more than 40 hours in any workweek.
Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to these laws. Employers may attempt to manipulate workers’ hours to avoid extra pay or outright deny them their earned wages. When this occurs, the employee has the right to work with an experienced attorney to file a lawsuit alleging the illegal withholding of wages. At Tittle & Perlmuter, a Sandusky overtime violation lawyer can help employees understand their rights and seek full payment of their earned wages.
Federal and State Overtime Laws
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established the concept of overtime pay under the law. The FLSA states that employees who work more than 40 hours in any seven-day period deserve pay at one and a half times their usual hourly rate. Overtime pay is required regardless of whether an employee worked additional hours in a traditional Monday through Friday work schedule or put in time over the weekend.
Though states may enact additional protections for workers, Ohio has not chosen to expand upon the federal overtime laws. Ohio Revised Code § 4111.03 echoes the federal law in requiring overtime pay for hourly workers.
Workers Covered under Overtime Regulations in Sandusky
It is important to note that not every employee can earn overtime pay. Those who work for commission and tips may not be entitled to overtime, and salaried workers that meet specific statutory exemptions are ineligible for overtime pay. A local attorney who focuses on overtime violations can help employees to determine their eligibility for overtime compensation.
What Happens When an Employer Illegally Withholds Overtime?
The refusal to provide overtime pay to employees is a form of wage theft. In these cases, both the State and individual employees have the right to hold businesses accountable. When the State takes the lead, the Director of Commerce will investigate the incident and may initiate a lawsuit seeking back pay on the employee’s behalf.
However, it may be beneficial for workers to seek payment directly from their employers in civil court. Workers covered by minimum wage and overtime laws may pursue a lawsuit alleging the non-payment of wages under Ohio Revised Code § 4111.10. Through a civil suit, employees can recover back pay for wrongfully withheld wages, liquidated damages, and attorney’s fees and court costs. A diligent attorney can help Sandusky employees secure proper compensation for their overtime work.
Speak with a Sandusky Overtime Violation Lawyer
Federal and state labor laws revolve around the concept of a 40-hour workweek. Every hour over 40 that a worker is on the job entitles them to overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times their usual hourly wage. Sadly, many employers try to cheat their workers out of this benefit by illegally altering timecards, attempting to shift an employee’s work hours, or simply acting as though a worker does not deserve this pay.
A Sandusky overtime violation lawyer can help you understand these laws and assert your rights as an employee. The legal team at Tittle & Perlmuter has experience helping workers stand up to their employers and demand compensation for labor law violations. Call us today to set up a free consultation.